Cluden vs Stuart: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cluden and Stuart are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 6.4 km and 8.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Cluden runs $1,124 a year cheaper than Stuart, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $12,885.
Over 10 years, Cluden costs about $12,900 less to run than Stuart — the same as paying $12,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Stuart
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cluden | Stuart | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,990 | $2,514 | -$524 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,800 | -$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,632 | $10,756 | -$1,124 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $8,434 | -$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cluden | Stuart | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,218 | $2,218 | - |
| Unit | $1,773 | $1,773 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Cluden vs Stuart (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cluden costs $1,124 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $12,885 in favour of Cluden.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $600 per year.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $7,834 from Cluden versus $8,434 from Stuart.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cluden cumulative | Stuart cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,632 | $10,756 | $1,124 |
| Year 3 | $29,772 | $33,246 | $3,474 |
| Year 5 | $51,138 | $57,105 | $5,967 |
| Year 10 | $110,420 | $123,305 | $12,885 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cluden or Stuart cheaper to live in?
Cluden is cheaper to run by car at $9,632 per year versus $10,756 for Stuart, a difference of $1,124 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cluden and Stuart?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Cluden (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Stuart (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Cluden and $2,099 in Stuart. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cluden and Stuart?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,990 from Cluden and $2,514 from Stuart to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cluden and $192 from Stuart.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cluden and Stuart?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cluden costs a cumulative $110,420 and Stuart costs $123,305 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $12,885 in favour of Cluden. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cluden and Stuart is best to actually live in?
You've got the costs. Get the free personalised report for the rest: a clear verdict on which suburb wins, the full flood, fire and crime risk profile, nearest schools, estimated electricity cost by number of occupants, and your own loan or rent stress-tested over 10 years. No spam.
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Sources: Townsville City Council and Townsville City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.